Top campsite with yoga mats in front of tent, bottom person cleaning a pan in a green tub with RV in the background.

13 Dollar Tree Camping Hacks That Are Pure Genius

Not only will these cheap Dollar Tree camping hacks save you money, but they’ll make your life easier.

Dollar Tree Camping Hacks That Are Pure Genius

People on Reddit are sharing their best camping hacks using Dollar Tree items that every camper needs to know.

You will want to try at least a couple of these Dollar Tree hacks on your next camping adventure.

1. Cut Up Yoga Mats Around Campsite

Yoga mat at a campsite.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

One camper shared that inexpensive yoga mats make great tent entry rugs since they give you a clean spot to leave your shoes before climbing inside.

They also cut a few into smaller pieces to use around the campsite as soft places to stand or sit without shoes on.

This is a cost-saving idea because you get so many campsite mats from just one dollar store yoga mat.

2. Solar Lights

Solar lights at a campsite.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Dollar Tree solar lights can really come in handy camping. You can use them to light up tent lines, walkways, and other hard-to-see spots around camp so nobody trips after dark.

3. DIY Dishwashing Station

A person washing a dish at a campsite.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos


One Redditor shared a smart tip for building a budget-friendly camp dishwashing station that only costs around $5.

All you need is an inexpensive dish bin, a water pitcher, dish soap, dish towels, and sponges to complete the setup.

4. Pie Tins As Plates

Pie pan on a white background.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Those inexpensive pie tins from Dollar Tree can double as lightweight camping plates that are sturdier than regular paper ones.

They also work well for foil packet meals since the metal gives everything a little more support while cooking or carrying food around camp.

5. Hanging Shoe Organizer For Kitchen Supplies

Hanging shoe organizer.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos


Those inexpensive hanging shoe organizers can be a game changer for keeping your campsite neat and organized. Use them to store kitchen supplies, utensils, snacks, and other small essentials

Since they hang, they’re so convenient and you could even hang them from a tree at your campsite.

6. Shammy Towels

Yellow shammy cloths on a white background.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Shammys aren’t just for cleaning cars; they have a ton of uses around the campsite, like drying dishes, dusting off chairs, and more.

They’re also great to dry your face, or as the Reddit user mentioned, stash in your backpack if you’re hiking around the campsite.

7. Kid-Friendly Activity Box

A kid at a campsite.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Keeping a camping activity bin stocked with small toys, footballs, coloring books, toy cars, and other inexpensive Dollar Tree finds can make family camping trips so much easier.

Kids will have plenty of screen-free entertainment ready to go whenever they start getting restless at the campsite.

8. Laundry Bag Drying Rack

Laundry bag on a white background.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

A simple mesh laundry bag can work surprisingly well as a camping dish drying rack. Just hang it from a tree branch and let your cups, utensils, and other lightweight items air dry without taking up table space.

9. Clear Table Cloths to Protect Your Fabric Tablecloth

Family picnic in nature with kids and parents enjoying food and fun outdoors.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

You can still use your cute fabric tablecloths while camping without worrying as much about spills and messes.

Just place an inexpensive, clear tablecloth from Dollar Tree over the top to protect it while still letting the fabric tablecloth’s design show through.

10. Glowstick Lighting

Colorful glow sticks against a dark background.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos

Using glow sticks for soft lighting inside your tent is one of the best dollar store camping hacks.

This is especially a great hack if you have kids who are used to sleeping with a nightlight or are scared of the dark.

The glowsticks provide just enough light to keep the kids happy but not keep anyone awake.

11. Dollar Tree Small Food Items

One camper said Dollar Tree is one of their favorite stops for small-sized camping food essentials and pantry items.

Items like smaller bottles of cooking oil, condiments, Parmesan cheese, and water flavor packets are easier to pack than larger bulk items.

12. Pencil Case For Cultry Storage

Pencil case on a white background.
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos


One person shared that inexpensive zippered pencil pouches from Dollar Tree are surprisingly handy for organizing small camping essentials.

The clear plastic ones work especially well for things like silverware, charging cords, matches, or other little items that always seem to disappear in a tote.

13. Dollar Store Tarps as Rugs


Dollar store tarps can be surprisingly useful at a campsite. They make a great ground cover for sitting, an outdoor rug, or a way to keep gear off the dirt, and they’re also handy for covering firewood if rain is in the forecast.

Redditors shared their best Dollar Tree camping hacks in this discussion.

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6 Comments

  1. All great ideas here thanks

    1. Thanks Ron. Glad you liked them and hope you can use some when you go camping.

      1. The issue with leaving shoes outdoors I-well let’s just say I ended up with a brown recluse spider bite once by doing so…..if you don’t know that issue-Google it

        1. Oh no, you bring up a good point. That is not something you want in your shoe.

  2. How about all your cooking utensils for $1.25 each! Spatulas, serving spoons, tongs and knives. Measuring cups and spoons.

    1. That’s a great idea. Why spend a lot if you’re just using them for camping.

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